Traffic and where to find parking?

Traffic and where to find parking?
After work, I didn't go home, but to a public hearing because an issue was being discussed that affects thousands of residents and cannot leave me indifferent: transportation and parking in the areas of Coney Island, Brighton Beach and surrounding neighborhoods.
I love this neighborhood, but those who visit in the summer know: traffic can be a real challenge, and parking is difficult, especially at Brighton Beach. On hot summer days, New Yorkers from all over come here to spend time by the ocean.
It's no secret that many drivers spend 30-40 minutes circling the area looking for a free spot. Sometimes they have to leave their car on Manhattan Beach and then walk with heavy bags, while others, after a long search for parking, have to call an Uber because they're too tired to walk.
Today, the situation became even more complicated, and I asked Assembly Member Mikhail Novakhov, who noted: "The issue of changing traffic from two-way to one-way on 11 Brighton was discussed, which would increase the number of parking spaces."
The situation on Surf Avenue—from the New York Aquarium and amusement park to Seagate—is also complex. New residential buildings continue to be built along this street. But a logical question arises: why aren't multi-level parking garages being built alongside the new residential complexes? Why isn't transportation infrastructure being planned in advance? Why isn't an additional road being built to relieve congestion on Cropsey Avenue?
Public transport doesn't always run regularly, so many people prefer to use their own transport, despite the difficulties with parking.
We must not forget the tragic lessons of Hurricane Sandy. Climate change brings new challenges. New York City has already experienced tornadoes unusual for our region. Therefore, developing transportation infrastructure is a matter not only of convenience but also of safety.
Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny spoke at the hearing. For years, he has been pushing for the construction of an additional road to relieve congestion on Cropsey Avenue and Surf Ave. to Seagate, as well as an additional bridge to connect the western part of Coney Island and Seagate to Belt Parkway.
At the event, many asked questions, shared their suggestions, and talked about the problems they face every day. One young man even recalled that during the election campaign, the current mayor promised to make public transportation free.
First and foremost, we're talking about traffic congestion. Thousands of new apartments mean thousands of new cars. This will inevitably lead to increased traffic congestion, increased pressure on the metro and bus routes, and further complicate the parking situation.
Furthermore, a significant portion of Coney Island is at risk from severe storms and flooding. Hurricane Sandy made the area's vulnerability clear.
Svetlana Zelinskaya, District Leader of the 46th Ward, also shared her opinion. In an interview, she noted that the construction of new high-rise residential complexes without adequate infrastructure development could lead to serious consequences. "I'm not against the development of Coney Island. On the contrary, I want to see it modern and beautiful. But development must be smart and thoughtful. Before building new high-rise buildings, residents must be provided with roads, parking, public transportation, utilities, and reliable protection from coastal flooding. Development should not come at the expense of safety and quality of life."
Of particular interest was the presentation of a traffic study conducted by the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT). Its goal is to find realistic solutions to traffic and parking issues in the beach and recreation areas, especially during the summer season.
I appreciated that the city authorities didn't just present the project but invited residents to an open dialogue. After all, it's the people who live and work here every day who understand the existing problems best.
If you care about the future of Coney Island and Brighton Beach, be sure to read the study. Learn more about the NYCDOT project at: https://nycdotprojects.info/project/coney-island-transportation-study
On the website, you can explore the project, read proposals for improving traffic, leave your comments, and mark problem areas on the interactive map.
Only together can we make Coney Island and Brighton Beach more convenient, safe, and comfortable places to live.
That's why after work I didn't go home, but to the public hearing. Because I love this neighborhood, I love the people who live here, and I love the city where I live and work.
Marina Lagunova